a 2nd brood here in the upper Midwest. I have
written about this beauty before on the ICF
and feel compelled to bring it up again here.
The Buckeye is found east of the Rocky Mntns.
and is widespread. Where it can be found it may
at times be limited in numbers whilst at other
times common but, short in duration.
It is a feisty butterfly in habit as males are quite
territorial and very alert to their surroundings.
They do sun themselves periodically with wings
out-stretched but, cast a shadow or movement
within close proximity and their off....
Finding good examples is not easy as they must
be caught within a day or two of emergence or
otherwise their mostly trashed. I suppose with
this species that's the exciting challenge of trying
to catch your own --- the thrill of the hunt !
It is a butterfly of farm and field and prefers
sunny spaces. It is variable in it's eyespot colors
of purple, pink, and orange. It's white banding
and outer marginal orange banding varies also
in width and boldness.
As Paul K once remarked: a simple but, beautiful
butterfly ....
